DID THE ILLINOIS JOBS’ MARKET FINALLY SEE AN IMPROVEMENT IN MAY?

KEVIN HOFFMAN
JUN 16, 2014
Reboot Illinois

Following a loss of 6,800 nonfarm Illinois jobs in April, the state slightly rebounded by adding 4,980 private sector jobs during the month of May, according to ADP.

The monthly ADP Regional Employment Report, in collaboration with Moody’s Analytics, is measured on a seasonally-adjusted basis.

Here are some of the report’s highlights that show employment changes for Illinois in May.

By Sector (*numbers are rounded)

• Goods-producing: 370
• Service-providing: 4,600

By Select Industries

• Natural Resources/Mining and Construction: 430
• Manufacturing: -60
• Professional and Business Services: 900
• Trade, Transportation and Utilities: 1,480

In April, 3,500 jobs were lost in manufacturing — a major hit for the industry. A bill sponsored by state Rep. David McSweeney, R -Barrington Hills, which passed both Houses last month, would allow for the creation of job training initiatives through public-private partnerships, specifically between manufacturers and community colleges. The professional and business services industry also suffered a serious setback — losing 7,100 positions.

While job gains is better than losses and last month’s data is a little less unnerving, the total number and pace of growth remain low when compared to other states.

In addition to Illinois, the report highlighted five other “key states” that saw notable employment changes.

• California: 19,610
• Florida: 17,280
• New Jersey: 1,390
• New York: 10,370
• Texas: 25,640

  May’s national unemployment rate held steady at 6.3 percent, with 217,000 jobs added — the fourth straight month with gains above 200,000. The number of unemployed was unchanged at 9.8 million, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

  The Illinois Department of Employment Security — citing an independent report by The Conference Board — stated in a recent press release that more than 203,000 help wanted ads were posted on the Internet last month, 85 percent of which for full-time positions.

  These Economic Development Regions led Illinois with the most online help wanted ads:

  • Chicago Metro Area – 150,800
  • Bloomington and Peoria – 9,300
  • Decatur and Springfield – 7,000
  • Rockford Stateline – 6,500
  • Champaign and Danville – 5,500

  “Illinois employers are hiring. This is another measure that shows there are job opportunities in our state,” IDES Director Jay Rowell said. “Unemployment is falling. More people are working. Job growth continues. While no single piece of monthly data should be used to take the temperature of our economy, several key data sets reflect that Illinois’ economy is moving in the right direction.”

  IDES won’t release May’s statewide and metro/local unemployment figures until June 19th and June 26th, respectively.

  In the meantime, here were the top five advertised positions in April and their median hourly wage. They also typically include some benefits such as health insurance, paid sick days and vacation:

  1. Truck Drivers – 11,165
     • $20.57
  2. Registered Nurses – 6,462
     • $31.34
  3. Retail Salespersons – 4,983
     • $9.85
  4. First Line Supervisors of Retail Salespersons – 4,631
     • $17.03
  5. Customer Service Representatives – 4,267
     • $16.08

  More from the press release:

  Included in the data are 160,000 positions advertised on Illinoisjoblink.com. IDES operates the state’s hiring board. Job seekers can build multiple resumes to emphasize different skills and experiences. Business owners can use keyword matching technology to search resumes and find the best candidate. Illinoisjoblink.com is free for workers and employers. It compares favorably to private efforts that cost hundreds of dollars. No-cost HR recruitment services for employers and workers are available at the website and at (877) 342-7533.

  Next article: Reboot Illinois poll shows Bruce Rauner takes an early lead

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  Kevin Hoffman is a Reboot Illinois staff writer who graduated from the University of Iowa with a degree in journalism, political science and international studies. He believes keeping citizens informed and politicians in check is the best way to improve Illinois and bring about common sense reform.  Follow us on Facebook.